King python
- Class: Reptiles (Reptilia)
- Order: Snakes & lizards (Squamata)
- Family: Pythons (Pythonidae)
- Genus: Python
- Species: Python regius
Size
The royal python is the smallest African python, average adult measuring 120 to 150 cm in length.
Ecology
The royal python is found in grasslands and dry open forests. It hunts mostly during night and spends the day hidden in a burrow. The python has the ability to find prey in complete darkness by the use of heat sensing organs located near its mouth.
As one means of defence, the royal python rolls into a tight ball when threatened. It tucks its head and neck safely in the centre of the coils, thus rendering it too large to be swallowed by the predator. It thus derives its alternative name of ‘ball python’.
Food habits
Seeds, bulbs and leaves, but also insects, molluscs and small frogs.
Longevity
Royal pythons live for approximately 20 to 30 years.
Reproduction
The diet of the royal python consists almost entirely of small mammals, but also includes birds and other reptiles. Pythons are non-venomous snakes, and kill their prey by strangulation.
Conservation status
Royal pythons are endangered in the wild due to being extensively hunted for the pet trade. Since in the wild their rate of reproduction is very slow, this continuous persecution seriously threatens their existence.
